Iowa to Alabama Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 911 miles from Iowa to Alabama usually costs between $808 and $1,229. Transit time is about two–seven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Alabama to Iowa car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Iowa to Alabama car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Iowa to Alabama:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Iowa
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Iowa ready to move your vehicle to Alabama:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nimble Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.5 / 5.0
While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2230973
Nimble Inc
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US
nimbleinc.net
3.5 / 5.0
Nimble, Inc. is faced with serious concern regarding business practices, particularly around unpaid freight charges and customer service experiences. While there are some positive comments about their staff, numerous reviews highlight major issues related to financial responsibility and operational difficulties during service deliveries.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245757
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Iowa to Alabama
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Iowa to Alabama, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 911 miles on your car to travel between Iowa and Alabama. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Iowa to Alabama. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Iowa to Alabama auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Iowa and Alabama. The typical distance is about 911 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Alabama
| From Iowa to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL | $735 – $1,142 | 770 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL | $768 – $1,266 | 935 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Birmingham, AL | $769 – $1,185 | 833 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL | $781 – $1,224 | 978 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL | $792 – $1,185 | 827 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Alabama
| From Iowa to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Huntsville, AL | $786 – $1,035 | 704 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Montgomery, AL | $812 – $1,165 | 869 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Birmingham, AL | $758 – $1,162 | 780 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Mobile, AL | $840 – $1,278 | 913 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL | $797 – $1,131 | 762 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Alabama
| From Iowa to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Huntsville, AL | $769 – $1,032 | 656 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Montgomery, AL | $772 – $1,168 | 821 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Birmingham, AL | $773 – $1,100 | 732 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Mobile, AL | $768 – $1,192 | 908 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL | $797 – $1,165 | 757 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Alabama
| From Iowa to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Huntsville, AL | $832 – $1,191 | 946 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Montgomery, AL | $754 – $1,283 | 1,052 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Birmingham, AL | $791 – $1,227 | 963 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Mobile, AL | $839 – $1,286 | 1,121 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL | $791 – $1,189 | 957 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Alabama
| From Iowa to Alabama | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Huntsville, AL | $745 – $1,045 | 681 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Montgomery, AL | $816 – $1,245 | 845 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Birmingham, AL | $758 – $1,165 | 756 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Mobile, AL | $799 – $1,203 | 889 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL | $773 – $1,066 | 738 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Alabama
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Iowa to Alabama, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,010–$1,536.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Alabama
When arranging car transport from the Hawkeye State to the Heart of Dixie, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Alabama.
- Distance and route: The route from Iowa to Alabama is about 911 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Iowa around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Iowa and Alabama may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Iowa to Alabama takes two–seven days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Alabama vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Alabama means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
- Driver’s license: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
- Additional taxes: In Alabama, a 2% state sales tax is levied on the purchase of vehicles, including off-road motorcycles and ATVs. With the addition of city and county vehicle sales taxes, the total sales tax owed will amount to between 3.375% and 4% of the vehicle's cost.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Iowa
More than 3.2 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
Transporting your vehicle to Alabama
About 5.1 million people are living in the Heart of Dixie. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to Alabama.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Alabama?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in Alabama.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Alabama?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Alabama, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Alabama, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Alabama?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Alabama is about 911 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Iowa to Alabama.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Alabama?
When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Alabama after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Alabama after purchasing it.
In Alabama, a 2% state sales tax is levied on the purchase of vehicles, including off-road motorcycles and ATVs. With the addition of city and county vehicle sales taxes, the total sales tax owed will amount to between 3.375% and 4% of the vehicle's cost.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Alabama to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Alabama?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Alabama is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Iowa to Alabama?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Alabama costs $808 to $1,229.
